Keyboard perforator and counter



April 20, 1937. A, G. EKLUND KEYBOARD PERFORATOR AND COUNTER Filed Jan. 21, 1935 n@ uw l\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\` N b INVENTOR ARTHUR G. EKL UND j@ A'rToRN Y Patented Apr. 20, 1937 UNTED STATES yerst-larifr oFricE KEYBOARD PERFORATOR AND COUNTER Application January 21, 1935, Serial No. 2,663

12 Claims.

The present invention pertains to improvements in composing systems and apparatus thereior and particularly to perforators and counters for preparing a perforated strip for the automatic control of line composing and casting machines.

The principal object of the present invention is to provide in a keyboard perforator and counter for the preparation of strips for the automatic l0 control of linecasting machines a counting device which is rugged and durable and capable or" reliable operation at Very high speeds.

The above and other objects of the present invention are accomplished by the provision of a keyboard device according to Patent No. 2,059,-

250 granted November 3, 1936, to H. L. Krum, designed to prepare a perforated tape in which the perforations represent lines of composed matter and also designed to take account of the number of characters or matrices composed, so that in a line of predetermined length, the amount or length of the line remaining to be iilled or completed will always be ascertainable.

Reference should be made to the above mentioned patent for a full and comprehensive disclosure of the keyboard perforator and counter. Briey, the keyboard includes keylevers which are arranged in a manner characteristic of typewriters and which operate through a permutation selector mechanism contained in the housing of the pcrforator and counter apparatus to position permutably a series of code discs of a selector to select one of a circumferentially arranged series of rods, and a counting barrel to which a continuously applied torque is imparted, which is provided with a circumferentially arranged series of slides, a selected one of which cooperates with the selected rods to determine the degree of rotation ci the counting barrel.

The selector rods of the code disc selector are thirteen in number and represent a series ranging from six units to eighteen units inclusive. Thus, as the stop member or counting barrel is rotated through variable angles according to the selector rod operated, like rotation is imparted to a spiral gear operatively associated with the counting barrel, and through -a suitable gear train variable motion is imparted to a matrix pointer associated with an indicator dial. Hence, as the keys are depressed, the matrix pointer is moved through Variable cumulative distances corresponding to the widths or thicknesses `of `the matrices represented by the keys.

r A feature of the present invention resides in 'M the disposition of the circumferentially arranged series of slides whereby each of said slides is arranged in a non-radial or offset manner with respect to the radii of the counting organ so as to present its advancing side in parallel abuttab-le relation to any one of a series of stop elements corresponding respectively to the aforementioned series of selectable rods.

A more comprehensive understanding of the present invention may be had from the following description, taken in conjunction With the accompanying drawing wherein like reference characters represent similar parts throughout the several views.

In the drawing,

Fig. 1 is an elevational view of the keyboard perforator and counter in accordance with the aforementioned patent, partly in section and with certain parts omitted or broken away, showing such `parts of the apparatus as are necessary for an understanding of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged sectional View taken on line 2-2v of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line 3-3 of Fig. 2, and

Fig. 4 is a sectional View taken on line 4-4 of Fig. 2.

Referring to the drawing, more particularly to Fig. l, there is shown a keyboard unit, a perforating unit, a counter mechanism, and an indicating "mechanism indicated generally by the numerals II, I2, I3, and I4 respectively. The keyboard unit II mounted on base I5 comprises a plurality of keylevers I6 extending from the rear of the base I5 to the frontv thereof and provided With keys I1. The keylevers extend over a number of pairs of code bars 'I8 and I9, a set of which, as shown in the aforementioned patent, being provided for the selective operation of the perforator I2 and another set for the selective operation of the counting mechanism I3, code bars of the latter set being shown in Fig. 1. The bars I8 and I9 of each pair are supported by a pair of T-shaped rocker arms 2l disposed at each end of the pairs of bars I8 and I9, the rocker arm -at only one end'of the code bars being shown in Fig. 1. Each series of rocker arms 2| is mounted on a pivot rod 22 and each arm has oppositely oiset lugs 23 and 24 which uphold the code bars I8 and I9 respectively of the corresponding pair of code bars. The rocker arms 2l of each pair of code bars I8 and I9 are pivoted to and reciprocate a permutation bar 25, each of which is articulated to a Y-shaped selector lever 26 pivoted on a rod 21. The permutation bars 25 are those provided for the control of the counting mechanism. Similar bars 28 are provided for the control of the perforator I2, which bars are pivoted to individual levers 29 which in turn reciprocate a punch interference member 3l 'individual thereto. Mounted above the free ends of the interference members 3l are the punches 32. The free ends of interference members 3i are slidably carried in a punch actuating member 33, the oscillation o`f which is cam controlled in a manner described in the noted patent. Also carried by the punch actuator 33 is a tape feed pawl 34 which, as is well known, operates the tape feed roll 35 upon each actuation of the member 33 to step the tape one character space. Y

The Y-shaped members 26 are also provided with an aperture 35 which is substantially larger than a rod 3l positioned below the pivot 2'I. The purpose of the ro'd 31 and the aperture 36 in each of the Y-shaped members 25 is to limit the movement of these members and to insure their proper cooperation with other associated elements as is more clearly set forth in the description hereinafter.

Each keylever I6 is arranged to depress one or the other of each pair of code bars I8 or I9 and through the medium of the rocker arms 2I, lifts the other code bars either to advance or retract the corresponding permutation bar 25 or 28 to impart corresponding movement to the associated pivoted member25 or 29. Upon depression of a keylever, the permutation bars 25, for example, are set in characteristic combinations. It is noted that the code and permutation bars have no normal position and are nioved back and forth by the keylevers. As indicated in Fig. 1, the bar i8 is raised and the bar I9 is depressed by certain keylevers. Also, since each key sets the code bar in its individual combination, two keys cannot be completely depressed at the same time, and any attempt to do so will bring the code bars to their mid-positions which is, of course, a nonselecting position.

As set forth in the patent, each keylever I6, in addition to actuating the code bars I8 and I9, also operates a universal bar not shown, which functions to initiate the cyclic operation of the apparatus by tripping the clutch mechanism on the operating shaft.

The setting of the selector members 26 permutably upon the depression of the keylever I8 will control the setting of a plurality of notched discs 38 (Fig. 2) forming part of the counting mechanism I3. Individual to each of the elements 25 and notched discs 38 is a transfer lever 39 (Fig. l) pivotally mounted on a rod 4I secured to a bail 42 which is oscillated by a cam (not shown) on the operating shaft, as fully set forth in the patent. For each operation of the bail 42, the transfer levers 39 will be moved downwardly (as viewed in Fig. l) into operative relation with the Y-shaped members 26; that is, accordingly as the members 25 are set in their leftor right-hand positions, the transfer members 39 will engage the leftor right-arms of the Y-shaped members to cause the discs 38 to be rotated slightly in either clockwise or counterclockwise direction. With the Y-shaped members 26 operated in varying permutations in accordance with the movement of the permutation bars 25, the discs 38- will likewise be rotated in varying combinations and will correspondingly cause the alignment of the various groups of notches formed in the periphery of the discs.

Cooperating with the notches in the discs are a plurality of rods 43 (Fig. 2), there being a rod individual to each set of notches and arranged with anti-friction rollers 44. Each Aof the rods 43 is arranged with a spring 45 which tends to move the rod individual thereto centripetallly and radially into the notches of the discs 38, but inasmuch as the notches are arranged so that for each Setting of the discs only one group thereof will be in transverse alignment, only one of the rods 43 will be moved radially upon each setting of the code discs. Also, the notches in the discs 38 are arranged so that when the discs are moved for a subsequent selection, the previously selected rod will be cammed outwardly against the action of its associated spring 45.

Referring again to Fig. 2 from which the structural mounting of the discs 33 will be apparent, it is noted that a stationary shaft 46 is supported in a part 5T of the base I 5. Rotatively mounted with respect to the shaft 46 are the discs 38, and secured to the part 4l and the shaft 46 are a pair of circular plates 48 and 49. These plates are apertured near their outer edge to receive the rods 43 which extend longitudinally of the shaft 46 and which are also held in operative relation with respect to the plates 48 and 49 by a coil spring 5I common to the rods 43. Operatively secured to the right-hand end of each of the rods 43 (as viewed in Fig. 2) is a plunger or stop member 52 which slides in slots 53 formed in a circular member 54.

To the right of the discs 33 is a unit 55 comprising the counting barrel or organ 6U of the counting mechanism-I3.

ing motor (not shown) through the medium of gear 56 and friction clutch 51 of well-known construction. Gear 56 is rigidly secured to a shaft 58 which in turn is supported by ball bearings 59 and 6I fitted in uprights 62 and 63 integral with the base I5.

The counting unit 55 includes a shaft 64 on which is formed a worm gear 65, a plurality of slidable and selectable members 66, and a, collar 61. It is also noted that the counting unit 55 is removable as a unit, since the shaft 64 has its opposite ends reduced in diameter to be journaled in the shaft and the shaft 58. Attention is also directed to the structural feature of the counting unit in that it is of a very smallv diameter, thereby permitting of a high speed' of rotation and still permit of satisfactory operation. By having the parts near the axis of rotation, the centrifugal action is reduced, and the moment of inertia is materially less, which makes possible the rotation of the parts at very high speeds.

To promote the satisfactory operation of the counting barrel or organ 69 in cooperation with the stop members 52, the slides have, in accordance with the present invention, been arranged in a non-radial or off-set manner with relation to the radii of the counting organ 65 in the manner clearly shown in Fig. 3. This off-set construction permits or provides surface contact between the stop blades or slides G5 and the stop pin plungers 52, thus eliminating radial cornponents tending to force the stop pin plungers out of engagement with the stop blades due to the impingement of the blades 55 against the stops or plungers 52 at high speeds. rlhe radial forces being thus eliminated, a lighter stop pin spring 45 can be employed for each stop pin; which reduction in spring tension increases the wearing qualities of the parts of the code disc assembly and of the transfer mechanism which Unit 55 is rotated by power communicated from a continuously rotatfunctions to shift the code discs against the tension of the series of springs 45.

More specifically described, the counting barrel or organ 60 consists of a sleeve 68 which is pinned to the shaft 64 and which has milled in its periphery a plurality of non-radial longitudinal slots 69. These slots accommodate the slidable selecting elements 66 which are held against accidental displacement and in their set position by a pair of springs 1| and 12. The springs 1i and 12 cooperate with three notches 13 formed in the outer edge of the selecting elements or slides 66 and serve to hold the slides in either of their two positions. By having two springs 1|, 12, the frictional contact with the slide 66 is correspondingly increased for a spring of a given diameter and there is also a margin of safety for the retention of the slides 66, should one of the springs break. The slides 66, as previously indicated, are positioned in non-radial slots 69 formed in the sleeve 68 and are provided with inwardly projecting portions 14 and 15.

As set forth in the patent, it has been found desirable to divide the characters into eighteen units, and consequently to provide a corresponding counting mechanism or a mechanism which will function to indicate these particular units of widths, nineteen slides 66 are provided, there being one more than the number of units to insure proper and accurate operation, since it is not feasible to withdraw and reselect the same member or slide 66, as will presently become apparent. Cooperating with the projecting portion 14 of each of the slides 66 is a flanged collar 61, the flange 16 of which is slotted for a portion of its circumference, as indicated by the numeral 11 (Fig. 4) and which is secured by means of pins to a bail 18 which functions in a manner set forth in the hereinbefore identified patent to reciprocate the slide 66 slidably on the shaft 64. The collar 61 is reciprocated periodically in accordance with the rotation of its operating cam (not shown) for withdrawing the selecting member or slide 66 which may have been previously operated. However, with the notch 11 cut therein as shown, which bears a definite relation with respect to the selecting members or slides 66, it is possible tol operate one of the slides 66 and still not have its selection disturbed by the positive operation of the collar 61.

The slide 66, as is more clearly disclosed in Fig. 2, cooperates with the stops 52 associated with the rods 43 to arrest the rotation of the counting barrel or organ 55 which, as previously indicated, is driven through a friction clutch 51 to cause a corresponding degree of rotation to worm 65. The rotation of worm 65, which meshes with a worm gear 19 secured to a shaft 8|, causes the corresponding angular rotation of shaft 82 (Fig. l), which is geared with shaft 8| through gears 83 and 84 secured to shafts 8i and 82 respectively. Shaft 82 carries at its right-hand extremity (Fig. l) a worm 85 meshed with a worm gear 36. The rotation of worm gear 86 is variably controlled by the counting mechanism I3, more particularly the counting organ 55, and the rotation thereof in varying amounts is transmitted through means associated with gear 85, clearly disclosed in the patent, to an index hand or pointer 81. Associated with theI index pointer 81 is a sectoral or fan-shaped indicator dial 88 and, as indicated in Fig. 1, the pointer 81 is provided at its outer extremity with a reverted portion disposed to t over and move along the arcuate edge of the dial 88. During the cumulative operations of the counting mechanism, the pointer 81 moves from left to right, as viewed in Fig. 1, and as set forth in the patent, a pointer mechanism is provided responsive to the depression or operation of a special keylever upon the operation of which the pointer 81 returns to its beginning of line position preparatory to responding to subsequent counting operations.

As shown in Fig. 1, the dial 88 is provided adjacent its arcuate edge with a scale or series of graduations representing the number of ems in a line of maximu-m length. The reverted end of the matrix pointer 81, as previously mentioned, moves along this edge of the dial from left to right, towards zero, in response to the totalisation of the matrix thicknesses by the counting mechanism. Thus, the distance fro-m the pointer 81 to Zero indicates the amount of space left in the line to be lled with matrices, when the line contains no space bands. However, when space bands are inserted in the line, the space remaining to be filled varies with the number of space bands inserted, so, to indicate the justiability of the composed line, a pair of space band pointers 89 and 9| are provided, the distance between the pointers 89 and 9| indicating the amount of expansibility of the space bands. Since the distance from zero on the scale torpointer 9| represents the sum of the thin edges of all the space 'bo-.nds (whether one or more) in the line, and the distance from zero to pointer 89 represents the sum of the thickest ends of the space bands, it is manifest that the distance between the pointers 89 and 9| represents the difference between these sums, which is the amount of expansion, or expansibility, of the space bands ccntained in the line. Therefore, the space left in the line to be lled, when the space bands are inserted, is represented by the distance between the matrix pointer 81 and any point between space band pointer 89 and 9|. The manner of effecting the differential or proportionate movement of pointers 89 and 9| toward the left (from the zero position) is fully set forth in the patent and need not be reiterated here.

Upon the depression of each of the keylevers i6, one of the selectable elements or slides 66 will be moved to the left, as viewed in Fig. 2. For the purpose of setting the slides 66, an arm 92 arranged with -a projecting portion 98 is provided. The arm 92 is operated periodically as set forth in the patent by a cam (not shown) mounted on the operating shaft. When the arm is operated, the forward end of projection 93 will engage the slide 66 which is at that instant aligned therewith. It is, of course, understood that the counting barrel or organ 66 is at that instant stopped by the coaction of a previously operated slide 66 and a previously selected stop pin or plunger 52, and torque is continuously applied to counting barrel 68 through the friction clutch 51. In connection with the operation of a slide 66 by arm 92, it is noted that the slide operated thereby is considered as being in the zero position, and when allowed to rotate through `power from the friction clutch 51, will continue rotation until arrested by engaging a newly selected one of the plungers. or stops 62. Consequently, there is a progressive counting of the several units dependent upon the degree of rotation of the counting barrel 68 and the corresponding rotation of shaft 8|. That is, there is imparted to the counting barrel 68, and hence to shaft 8|, a continuously advancing intermittent motion, the amount or degree of rotation during each interval of movementl being governed by the particular stop member 52 selected.

Arm 92 and collar 6l are operated by their respective cams substantially simultaneously, the arm S2, however, being actuated slightly in advance of collar 61 to ensure the completion of the selection of a new slide 66 by arm 92 before the previously selected slide 66 is Withdrawn by collar el, because as soon as a previously selected slide 65 has been Withdrawn, and thus disengaged from the previously selected plunger or stop 52, the counting barrel is free to rotate; therefore, it is obviously imperative that a new slide 66 be selected before this rotation is initiated. NOW, since this rotation is begun while the collar 6l in its right-hand position, as Viewed in Fig. 2, preparatory to reversing its direction to return its left-hand position (through the medium of its operating cam) it is apparent that if the slot ll in the flange 16 of collar 6l is not long enough the newly selected slide 66 will strike the ge before it has had an opportunity to escape om the path of said slide S6, thereby holding the collar against the action of its return spring (not shown). Thus, to preclude this possibility, the slot 'll is made of substantial angular dimension which is possible because the first ive units of the eighteen sub-units before mentioned are not employed and thus no plungers 52 are provided therefor, and so the rst possible stopping point effected by the coaction of the newly selected Zero slide 66 and the newly selected stop member or plunger 52 will be beyond the range of the slot ll, and suiiicient time will have been provided for the simultaneously moving parts; namely slide 86 and collar 5l, to escape each other.

From the foregoing it is manifest that when a selected slide 66 carried on the rapidly rotatable counting barrel impinges against a se lected stop or plunger 52, the region of impingement or contact will be represented by a substantial area, Whereas heretofore in the prior device disclosed in the patent the locus of impingement was represented by a line which was the lower edge of the plunger 52 adjacent to the selected slide 66. The improved construction resulting in this more advantageous cooperation between the slide 66 and a plunger 52 is achieved by arranging the slides 6G non-radially with respect to the counting barrel By disposing the slides 5S non-radially, or off-set with relation to the radii of the counting barrel B, the springs @35 ere no longer called upon to withstand any camming-out action and need only be made of light material suicient to bias the stop pins centripetally. By providing a surface contact between slides '55 and plungers or stops 52, the durability cf the necessarily lightly constructed parts and their wearing qualities are enhanced considerably, thus prolonging the life of the highly active elements of the apparatus.

Although the present invention has been disclosed and described with reference to keyboard perforators and counters, it is, of course, understood that the invention is capable of embodiment in many other forms than that specically disclosed, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

What is claimed is:

1. In an apparatus, a plurality of elements, means to permit the actuation of said elements, a uni-directional counting organ comprising a plurality of slidable members arranged nonradially and substantially in the form of a right cylinder, and means effective through the areal cooperation of said members and said elements to control the incremental progressive movement of said counting organ.

2. In an apparatus, a plurality of centripetally biased elements, means to permit the actuation of said elements, a uni-directional counting organ comprising a plurality of circumferentially arranged slidable members, each having its advancing side disposed in parallel abuttable relation to a selected element, and means effective through the areal cooperation of said members and said elements to control the incremental progressive movement of said counting organ.

3. In a device for preparing control strips for linecasting machines, a counting mechanism operated in incremental amounts representative of matrix Widths, a plurality of elements, means operated permutably for invariably selecting one of said elements, and means comprising a pluralsaid elements, a plurality of members one of 1'" which is selected on each operation of said means, each of said elements having its advancing side disposed in parallel abuttable relation to a selected member, and means for rotating said elements to cause the selected one thereof to engage areally a selected member and cause the corresponding rotation of said counting device.

5. In a device for preparing control strips for linecasting machines, a counting mechanism, power driven means for operating said mechanism in incremental amounts representative of matrix widths, a plurality of notched members, means for operating said members permutably, elements associated with said members cne of which is selected for each permuted operation thereof, a plurality of slides one of wln'ch is selected for each operation of the notched members, each of said slides having its operating side disposed in parallel abuttable relation to a selected element, and means for causing the areal coaction between the selected slide and the selected element for determining ie effectiveness of said power means and the extent of operation of the counting mechanism.

6. In a keyboard device, a counting mechanism, a plurality of notched members, a set of bars, keylevers for operating said bars permutably to effect the corresponding operation of said members, a plurality of elements associated with said members, one of which is selected for each permuted operation thereof, a counting barrel to winch power is normally communicated comprising a plurality of slides each having its operating side disposed in parallel abuttable relation to a selected element, said barrel prevented from rotating due to the areal cooperation between a selected slide and a selected element, and means operated substantially simultaneously with the operation of said notched members for controlli the release of said counting barrel and determining the extent of its rotation to effect the corresponding operation of the counting mechanism.

7. In an apparatus, counting device, means for actuating said device including a series of operable elements, a plurality of stop members,

. arranged each of said elements having its operating face disposed in parallel abuttable relation to a selected stop member, means for operating an element invariably in a Zero position, and means for operating the elements to cause their areal cooperation with said members to effect the corresponding operation of the counting device.

8. In an apparatus, a plurality of elements, means to permit the actuation of said elements, a uni-directional counting organ comprising a plurality of circumferentially and non-radially individually slidable members, and means eiTective through the areal cooperation of said members and said elements to control the incremental progressive movement of said counting member.

9. In an apparatus, a plurality of elements, means t0 permit the actuation of said elements, a uni-directional counting organ comprising a plurality of separate members cylindrically and non-radially arranged and slida'ble to eieota counting operation, and means effective through the cooperation of said members with said elements to control the incremental progressive movement of said counting organ.

10. In a counting apparatus, a plurality of elements, means to permit the actuation of said elements, a uni-directional counting organ com prising a plurality of coextensive members cylindrically and non-radially arranged and slidable to effect a counting operation, and means eiective through the cooperation of said members with said elements to control the incremental progressive movement of said counting organ.

11. In a counting apparatus, a plurality of elements, means to permit the actuation of said elements, anni-directional counting organ comprising a plurality of separate members cylindrically and non-radially arranged and slidable with respect to each other to effect a counting operation, and means effective through the cooperation of said members With said elements to control the incremental progressive movement of said counting organ.

12. In a counting apparatus, a plurality of elements, means to permit the actuation of said elements, a uni-directional counting organ comprising a plurality of separate coextensive members cylindrically and non-radially arranged and slidable with respectto each other to eect a counting operation, and means effective through the cooperation of said members with said elements to control the incremental progressive movement of said counting organ.

ARTHUR G. EKLUND. 

